15 ways to become an industry expert

by Dan Greenwald

  1. Be active in and attend regional and national association events.
  2. Take the lead in lobbying for change, become a voice for the industry.
  3. Reach out and build relationships with owners of peer companies.
  4. Broadcast that you are open to partnerships.
  5. Read industry media like magazines, web sites, blogs, etc.
  6. Be an SME and thought-leader in your industry.
  7. Provide value to the influencers at your key vendors. Serve on their advisory boards.
  8. Be an active influencer in your Buying Groups.
  9. Be an active influencer with your software user’s group.
  10. Look outside the your industry for concepts that you can apply.
  11. Bring leading edge ideas to your company.
  12. Recognize and promote other thought leaders.
  13. Championing the cause of bettering the lot of all channel partners.
  14. Expose yourself and experience the reality from other’s perspective … Your employees, Your customers, Your customer’s customers, and Your vendors and manufacturers.
  15. Take risks in exploring the possibilities.